German Chancellor Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a visit to the Hannover Messe a leading platform for display of industrial technology in Germany. Both dignitaries were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, and Board Member for Human Resources, Dr. Horst Neumann.

During their visit they were informed about Volkswagen’s activities in Russia. Emphasis was put on vocational training, XL1 1-Liter car and innovative products that are manufactured in Russia. Russia is the partner country for Hannover Messe this year. Russia is the number one market for Volkswagen and is constantly expanding its footprint in the country. VW opened a new engine plant at Kaluga recently, thereby fortifying its position in the Russian market.

During their visit, both distinguished guests paid close notice to the vocational training programs being offered by Volkswagen. Three quarters of its 16,500 apprentices are being trained on the German dual vocational training model. Volkswagen is official automobile partner at the 2014 Winter Olympics Games to be held in Sochi. It has also supported the Russian Biathlons Unions women’s and men’s team since April 1st, 2013.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft said, “For the Volkswagen Group, Russia is the number one growth market in Europe. With the Polo Global, we have developed a vehicle especially for the Russian market that is in line with local customers’ requirements and meets mobility needs in the country in the best possible way.” He added, “Volkswagen is consistently expanding its activities in this important market. With our new engine plant in Kaluga, the Volkswagen Group will remain a strong motor for the Russian automobile industry and the Russian economy in the future.”

Volkswagen’s Board Member for Human Resources, Dr. Horst Neumann, said: “Volkswagen already trains three quarters of its 16,500 apprentices throughout the world on the basis of the German dual vocational training model. Together with the Golf, the Audi A4 and the Porsche 911, this training model is one of our Group’s export bestsellers.”